Heart Hazard: How Physicians Treat Atherosclerosis

Medical issues involving plaque in the arteries and heart is the number one cause of death for adults within the United States. Atherosclerosis remains one of the most common forms of plaque development within the arteries as the passage to get nutrient rich blood throughout the body becomes blocked. Due to the pervasive nature of this problem, everyone should remain aware of the top treatment options for this chronic buildup.

TLC

TLC is a comprehensive program that is carefully overseen by a physician and nutritionist and is often done alongside surgical treatments. TLC begins with a number of lifestyle changes including a very specific diet that is dictated by the progression of the atherosclerosis in each patient. This includes a number of steps such as quitting smoking, developing a mild therapy routine and removing alcohol from one’s diet.

Medication

There are two primary forms of medication that are used to slow the effects of atherosclerosis as well as minimize the risk of a heart attack. The first form of medication targets the patient’s blood pressure in order to reduce the chance that platelets will become backed up behind the plaque and cause a stroke. Other medication is designed to aggressively reduce the amount of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol in one’s system to prevent further plaque buildup.

Stenting and Angioplasty

Many physicians now turn to balloon catheter manufacturing specialists for angioplasty and stenting procedures. This is a surgical process in which a catheter is placed into the affected artery while a smaller tube is slid inside with a deflated balloon that is later expanded. In recent years, balloon manufacturing has improved and physicians now have options for custom molds, new materials and sizes made specific to the artery and patient.

Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery has long been one of the leading surgical options for those suffering from a plaque buildup, and the process begins by removing a vein or artery from another portion of the body. The tissue is then grafted onto the artery on either side of the plaque buildup in order to bypass the plaque itself. This is typically done in the latest stages of the plaque buildup when the physician is no longer able to remove the plaque or offer lifestyle changes to put a halt to plaque development.

Left untreated, atherosclerosis can be exceptionally dangerous or even deadly for a patient. This is why most patients are going to want to look at comprehensive lifestyle changes and medical options to avoid any serious or fatal side effects.